•  Respondents mentioned more than once that the local Presbyterian Church
   was conducting a campaign for a new church, but participants did not
   think this would really conflict with St. Edward's plans. The United Way
  was mentioned twice as a possible competitor for  philanthropic dollars.

  16. DO YOU HAVE ANY OTHER COMMENTS OR SUGGESTIONS THAT YOU THINK MIGHT
       BE IMPORTANT OR HELPFUL TO THIS STUDY OR IN PLANNING A CAMPAIGN?

• It is paramount to address these needs. It is the highest
   priority. This old church, as beautiful as it is, is NOT meeting our
   needs.
   

• Father Belisle has helped the parish turn around. It gives new strength. We can get more confidence in ourselves when we see the
  confidence he feels. He is the right person to be here right now.
   

• Don't slam the door! (The whole church might come down.)
   

• Once the community knows the need and gets excited about it, contributors will come out of the woodwork.
   

•  Ask everyone. Don't discount the widow's mite.
   

• Father Belisle is the center of my satisfaction, particularly due to his homilies, his greeting, and his efforts to
  teach us and explain what is going on. Along with that, I am dissatisfied that there doesn't seem to be
  organization, a plan, strategy, and communication of what is going on in the big picture.
   

• We can put things in the bulletin, but we need to talk about it and solicit feedback or it gets lost.
   

•  I am not in favor of a Jacuzzi-type immersion style baptismal font. It should look like a church. If they are going
   to have a cry room, put it where we don't have to look at misbehaving children. Parents need to exercise more
  discipline of their children.
   

• This poor little old church has had some bad leaders in the priests we've had.
   

• This is a very generous parish; way ahead of others in the archdiocese.
   

• They need a new church. They need room for the sick and disabled in the church, and adequate parking.
   

• Get on with it! I'm very concerned about the safety of the church building. The crowdedness is unbelievable.
  People don't understand how bad the church really is. I know the parish can be very generous, if they see it is worthwhile.
  Where there's a will,  there's a way. The building committee needs to show the importance  of why we are doing this.
  A lot depends upon how well it is presented.
   

•  My only wish is that they are able to really present things well, because a lot of people need to be convinced
   that it is really needed.
   

• We need to mail newsletters to homes.
   

•  There is room for a lot of improvement in our community. It  is not as good as it should be.
  The mission of the church is outreach. Our stewardship needs to improve. We need to take a
  hard look at how we are spending our money.
   

• If this campaign is going to be successful, the chair must have decision making power, with the help
   of a committee and the professional fundraisers. The pastor must not micromanage the campaign.
   

• Appreciation is important. We have to recognize the amount of personal time and in-kind gifts of professional
  services people are giving to the church.
   

• Why isn't a residence for the priest included in the plan?
   

•  The archdiocese isn't doing very much to help financially.
   

• There's a lack of fellowship in the church. The arrangement of the church isn't conducive to people visiting with one another. It lacks enough Bible studies and fellowship opportunities during the week. We are stand-offish and there's no reason for that. There is room for improvement.
   

• What bothers me about the new church is there's no  planning for the future. Are we planning far enough ahead? We don't have that vision of what the parish will be like in 25 to 30 years. We have to look to the future.
   

• We must not neglect the new buildings once built.
   

• I think indebtedness is good for a church.
   

• This parish has always stepped up when the need was there.
   

• I really like the new priest we have.
   

• I want Father to step his enthusiasm level up in front of the congregation about two or three notches. He needs to get people to speak about it and get parishioners excited about it. We need to create more excitement and enthusiasm for this project.
   

• The church is going to die; to stagnate; if we don't build a new church. We've maxed out this church.
   

• I think there is a problem with the estimates on costs. The  emphasis should be on what we need--$2.2 million, instead of on $5.7  million. It is a healthy sum for Shelton.
   

•  The church has been mostly Sunday Catholics. There are no  programs. No adoration.
   

• We are very, very impressed with Father Belisle. He could  sway a lot of people pretty well. He has a way about him.
   

• There's been a change in administration so we have a whole new church. Father Belisle has a Herculean job. I am not sure how it is all going to turn out. Father is very good, so I'm hopeful.
   

•  think we're 10 years too early because we  haven't answered when, where and how. I think we really need a new  church, and it will happen.
   

• To focus on a building is to distract our community from a  focus on the maturity of the church. If people come to the church  because they want something, that is immature. According to Rick  Warren's book, the Purpose Driven Church, if people come because  they want to give something, that is mature. At St. Edwards, in the two years of Father Belisle, with new programs and committees, for  example starting a parish council, we see some maturity growing and  the church is moving in that direction. I believe in the project. If we  can do it to serve the holiness of the community, then I would fight for it.
   

• If we can't do the whole thing at once, we  shouldn't do it. I don't think the church will function well ;if it omits one of the buildings. Typically, parishioners are fairly generous, but with finances the way they are, it is going to put pressure on some.
   

• The lot is great. The longer we wait, the more expensive it will be. If the new church is built, could it be built for less? Plan it well. Instead of building everything now, add on later. For a short period of time, we can do without all the elements of the plan. We need vision. This is only a step in a process.
   

•  I'm not sure I want a new church. You know I was in the old wooden church. How are we going to get in and out of the new  property? We are outgrowing the church. It is discouraging to me  to see the growth in the town.
   

• They do a lot for a little parish. They offer some neat  programs. Mary Chapman is great. She is a great role model.
   

•  I realize Father Ron is stressed; he was looking forward to retirement at his age and didn't anticipate this. A lot has happened since he came, and a lot more will happen, and I am happy  about that.
   

• I have a longstanding problem: there are no ongoing programs from age 17 on, until they return with kids of their own. The  shame of it is that these are the ages where they lose their connection  to our church. I recognize that the archdiocese connects with a few  through its young married and young adult groups, but that is not  enough. This is a real problem for me.
   

• The previous two priests: I don't know where they  picked them up. But I like Father Belisle. To me, a parish priest needs  to be immediately available to the people.
   

• My age group (elderly), who are dispensing assets right and  left, are very much disgruntled because of past treatment from priests.  And there is big resentment against the archdiocese. I am against it  until you build a rapport with the people. The finance committee pushed  it. The finance committee failed the parish in its workings with Father Dominic. Money was wasted in the purchase of land. It was their  responsibility to make known to the parish these land transactions.
   

• We're happy there's going to be a new church. 450  seats isn't bad'; its a good start. Shelton may double in size in 10 years.
   

• We really, really appreciate Father Belisle. He has done great things for the parish. We think the world of him. He is an idea  guy. He wants a lot of things.
   

• Is Father moving us too fast on some things? He  doesn't listen to us when he wants to do something.
   

• I'd like to see a meeting to get into specifics about this project. The building committee is holding information too close to the chest and nothing is coming out.
   

• The people who are not involved see some things getting  done well, but others are all over the road. I think we need to focus on  the faith and on the building of a church. Father has to communicate more with the parish about what this is all about in the homilies and  from the altar. The current church is a legacy left to us by people  from the depression era.
   

• The case statement clarified the need. We hear from so many about our elderly friends: I'm not going to support a new Well, I can see. I've been down in the basement. I was amazed. It is in bad condition. The list of things that are wrong is long.
  

• Parishioners need the opportunity to know what they are  receiving for their money. People have no idea what the church is going  to look like and haven't had a chance to give input. I want the  opportunity to have an effect on what it will look like. I want to be  heard. Until you show people how they will benefit and show them  something that will inspire them, they won't contribute.
   

• The backbone of any church is taking care of our youth. At  one time, the CYO was the place to be. Gearing up a youth program and  getting kids here is what is going to build this parish. Have programs  for young married couples. Have small group Bible studies. The Bible  study they had was a good thing. You build strength and trust with people.
   

• There aren't very many young people in the parish. Leadership was lacking here for many years.

• Seismic problems with the church should not worry us. An earthquake is over in minutes and there are only three Masses on Sundays. So the odds are good we will all be O.K.
   

• This was a close-knit town when I came here, mainly because of the logging; loggers take care of the people around them. That rubs off on everyone else in town, and this attitude will help our campaign.
   

• When it is needed, I will give.
   

•  Before they get too far along in planning a new church, consider replacement costs, such as repairing the roof some day. Every  20 years it needs to be replaced. Keep it simple.
   

• A lot of people don't understand the structural weaknesses and inadequacies of the current building. For example, the  stairs make carrying a casket in and out difficult.
   

• It has to be done. I sit in the middle of the current  church, and I can't see over people. It would be better if you can  give us something black and white as to what will be done. We don't  need expensive stuff. We need things that will get good use. The most important thing: it has to be centered on the Eucharist.
   

• I love Father Belisle's homilies. I've learned  more about my church since he came here. He is fascinating.
   

• Father must have a vision in his mind, but he doesn't always spell that out. I know he has a lot on his mind.
   

• Some things need to be done; the church is cold and there  is no place for the choir.
   

• Father Ron is dedicated and caring.
   

• The church has to be run like a business. Organization and  planning is part of it. Effort must be made to communicate the progress  being made in design and in the planning processes. It has to be  consistent, with the appropriate openness. It will get people excited.  And they need to know where the money goes.
   

• There is an under current of people resistant to new cultures. They want it to be the way it always was. We will resolve this over time. I have strong feelings about this. Don't just sit with your friends. Go to events put on by other cultures.
   

• I do worry about people being shortsighted in this  community. I don't think their goals are big enough. If we all work  together, we can make the vision a reality. Right now, it is still a  vision. We need to build memories in a new church. The fellowship is what is important. 

• I feel badly that they never took a vote on if we wanted a new church. We have no choice. Personally, I love the little church we have. If we could get a deacon to say Mass, we could get by. We should be helping Darfur rather than competing with the Lutherans and Methodists. I don't envy Father. He was sent here to build a church.
   

• I think we're having a little trouble integrating our  Hispanic members. Perhaps they think us palefaces are stuck up. We  don't really know what they think because we don't speak Spanish.
   

• I like Father Belisle. He is a good guy. He is what a Catholic priest should be.
   

• In designing a new church, I don't care what they do; just not a gym where kids play ball.
   

• If you build a church, you need to build a living space for the priest. He should be close to the church.
   

•  Be sure people are not overextending themselves.
   

• I want to know more. I have a list of questions.
   

• On Saturday nights at Mass, people are standing in the  back. You shouldn't have that.
   

• Do we have to carry more of the financial load because so many of our parishioners are poor? Many are engaged in stoop labor (oyster/clam industry).
   

• Our church is going to come down in the next earthquake. I  think the parish is ready to smarten up. We have a lot of old people who have trouble getting in and out of the church. It is the only Catholic Church in the community. Every Mass is well attended, and that is one of  the problems we have. I am afraid that is driving people away. We need  to get active NOW. A small thing: We always had building fund envelopes  in the pews and we haven't had them in six months. I need that reminder.
   

• Make sure everyone is involved. We are going to have to  sell the very senior citizens, the traditionalists, that the church is  not salvageable. There is a segment that is against moving because they've known this church since the 30's. The Hispanic community also needs to show its support for this building project. No one in the white community seems to know what the Hispanic community does, and that is our fault because we don't publish it in the  bulletin. All we know is that one page of the bulletin is in Spanish.
   

• Some long time parishioners have told me they have given  money for the hall and don't feel they should have to give again.  They are not realistic.
   

• I am ill, but I can pray and hold you up. Trust me.
   

• Why does the parish have to fund the balance of $2.2  million? The Archdiocese has building funds and does not seem to be  contributing any funds for our parish church. Seems like you are expecting TOO much from us.
   

• The plans are awesome.
   

• This has all been done years ago with no results on it.  Never any feedback given to us.
   

• The total sum of $5.7 million makes one pause when you  consider the urgent and compelling needs of the hungry and homeless throughout the world as well as those afflicted by natural disasters.  One has to wonder what Christ would think.
   

• I would say we shouldn't limit ourselves to just St. Edward's parish members, but involve the entire community.  Fundraising could help with such things as t-shirts, pins, hats,  raffles, etc. or providing a booth for Shelton events with food, drinks,  etc.
   

• If the church is unsafe, how can we in good conscience sell  it?
   

• Most of the people I see are around my age (80) and living  on fixed incomes. You had better count on people who are still working.
   

• Many older people have given to former parishes from which  they have retired to come here. I do appreciate the hard  work and useful information we have gotten since our new pastor came.  Perhaps I am wrong but I still want to keep our downtown location.
   

• Keep it simple!
   

• We recently visited a church in Oregon where they raised  money by selling small vaults in one wall for ashes of deceased parish  members. It helped build the church.
   

• We do not need a new church. We will not give. Make the parish hall a church. Tear down the old one for parking!

• Have another auction. One level, please.
   

• Even though the priest has only been at the parish for one year, his rudeness to some of the parishioners has created a feeling of  uncooperativeness towards anything having to do with building a new  church.
   

• I do not like the location for a new church. Poor choice!  I'm in my eighties and on a fixed income. I love St. Edward Church.
   

• I'm looking forward to being able to see the altar.  I'm a small person and can't see around a larger person.
   

• I'm widowed and live solely on a small monthly income  that varies from month to month, according to my hours. I have approximately $1,100.00 a month and give to my church what I can, when I  can. I do my very best.
   

• I was planning on giving some amount to the building fund.  I'm not sure how much. It would be a one time thing.
   

• In two parishes, we were in men's clubs that met with  organizers to meet personally with all members of the parish. We went  out to 50 members, two men together, with plans on building  a church, rooms for nuns, school facilities, meeting halls and their  associated costs and we asked for pledges. This information was then returned to the parish for evaluation prior to construction.
   

• I am a part-timer with a cabin on Benson Lake. It will be  at least six and a half years before I retire and move. I am midway  between St. Edward and Prince of Peace, and don't know what the  future holds. Best of luck, much success, many blessings!
   

• I very much enjoyed reading the information. It was clearly and respectfully presented.
   

• Remodeling of air conditioning and lighting could be done  cheaper.
   

• Is the $2.2 million estimated for the current property at today's real estate prices or future prices? If the price is at current value, then you have to raise the value in three years and thus reduce the dollar amount needed for the fund raising campaign.
   

• My wife and I are 79 and 80.We are behind a new church  for the parish, but we don't feel we can work on the campaign.
   

• I don't believe it is the time to build a new church or any other building. There are people in the church who are poor that  need help or even a loan. Dividing $5.7 million by 300 families is  $19,000, an average year's gross income for some. Nobody  gives like the widow in the Bible who gave all she had while others gave  of their surplus. Jesus said for the rich to sell their belongings and  give to the poor. That just is not the way it is today. People need to  open their eyes of faith.
   

• It would be helpful to have parents of young children  involved in this project. I suppose they would have to be contacted in  person. I see mostly grey haired folks (I am one of them) and where are  younger people in all this? I want to thank those who have already  worked to begin this project and Fr. Belisle for pushing the work on a  new church forward and his tireless efforts all round!
   

• Why not ask each one of the 800 households to pledge their  share of the $2.2 million (which would be $2,750?) to be given within one year of Jan. 1, 2007? Will there be those who cannot come up with their pledge? Yes! And people like me could be a benefactor to help round out their pledge or give for them. I am willing to do  that and I'll bet there are others who would help out in the same manner. We can do it!
   

• This campaign for a new church has gone on for some years  now and projected completion is a long way off in the future. I think  some folks just don't have enthusiasm when they can't see the end for years and years. Why not explain to the folks that if we get  this money quickly, we'll live to sit in the building, and some or  most of the children will actually use the classrooms before moving on?

   

  SECTION D - CONCLUSIONS

   A. SATISFACTION WITH THE PARISH

  The level of satisfaction with St. Edward's Catholic Community is fairly high. Eighty- nine percent (89%) of individual interviewees  and mail survey respondents combined said that they were satisfied or  very satisfied with the parish and the programs and services that you  currently provide. This is pretty positive. People are especially  pleased with Father Belisle and believe that he is a refreshing and  positive change over previous pastors, many of whom were not regarded  nearly as positively. There were some sources of discontent, but this  is fairly typical and it was also fairly minimal. Lack of sufficient  programming opportunities for both youth and adults were two areas cited that some thought could be improved upon. Communication – or lack  thereof – was also mentioned as a concern. And finally, there was  also a feeling that the parish lacks a certain connectedness and  cohesiveness, which some say is due, in part, to a lack of an easily  accessible gathering or fellowship space connected to the church.  Ironically, many of these concerns are things that your proposed master  facilities plan will address and undoubtedly help you change.  Consequently, this all bodes well for a successful campaign.

  B. PROJECT AWARENESS AND ACCEPTANCE

   Eighty-eight percent (88%) of survey respondents overall said that they were either well informed or at least had a general knowledge of your  proposed project as well as the rationale behind it. So it would seem,  on the surface at least, that awareness about your proposed project and  the needs that have given rise to it are fairly high. However, there  were a number of comments made by survey respondents that indicate  people are not aware of the specifics of your plan, which is not surprising since you have yet to formally unveil your proposed master  plan. What was a bit surprising, though, was that there are still many  people who do not fully understand or accept the various rationales  behind your plans or, in other words, the insurmountable problems that  currently exist that justify the relocation of your parish facilities  and the construction of a new church. Therefore, these facts and  factors must be more widely, comprehensively and convincingly  communicated and repeatedly reinforced and explained. Nevertheless, acceptance for the proposed project overall was very high  to exceptionally high. Among those personally interviewed,  presumably some of the most active, aware and generous members of your parish community currently, one-hundred percent (100%) said that  they thought the proposed project overall was important to very  important to address. Also, among all survey respondents combined  (those personally interviewed and those who returned mail surveys), most  felt that the proposed project was very important, and an impressive  ninety-three percent (93%) felt that addressing the needs as expressed  was important to very important.  

  In addition, acceptance for all of your proposed projects, major  parts was viewed as important or very important by a vast majority of  mail survey respondents and those personally interviewed. Your expressed needs for and plans to construct a new church was rated the highest priority among both mail survey respondents and those  individually interviewed. Ninety-eight percent (98%) of those  interviewed and ninety-three percent (93%) of survey respondents overall  view construction of a new church as important to very important to  address. Even so, there were some who were not fully aware of the (in  some cases insurmountable) problems that exist as it pertains to the  existing church. So again, this must be more fully and repeatedly  explained. It would also soothe the traditionalists and those who  disdain any change if you were able to incorporate into the new church  design certain elements and artifacts from your existing church. This  will further enhance the already strong acceptance level for the  cornerstone of your proposed plan,  the construction of a new church.

   The proposed new parish office center and hall were rated the next highest priorities with eighty-three percent (83%) and eighty-two  percent (82%) of survey respondents overall respectively rating these  parts of your plan as important or very important to address. Of  interest to note, however, was that the perceived importance of these  respective parts of your plan flipped and were substantially higher among those who were personally interviewed. In fact, ninety-eight  percent (98%) of the people we spoke to rated the hall as the next highest priority saying that it was important or very important to do, while ninety percent (90%) rated the parish office center as important or very important to do.

   Finally, the proposed new parish education center was rated the next highest priority with eighty-eight percent (88%) of interview respondents and eighty percent (80%) of survey respondents overall  rating this part of your plan as important or very important to do. So in summary, the level of awareness of and acceptance for the  proposed project and its major components is very high, which is obviously highly conducive to a successful campaign.

   

  C. CAMPAIGN AWARENESS AND ACCEPTANCE

  Awareness of a fundraising campaign to address your various needs was very high among those personally interviewed with ninety-eight percent (98%) saying they were aware that a campaign to raise the necessary funds was being considered and planned. This level of awareness dropped among mail survey respondents, however, with seventy-nine percent (79%) of these respondents saying that they were aware a campaign was being planned. This follows a similar pattern as the project awareness area that was covered in the previous section. We also saw a much higher level of awareness among those most involved and committed compared to the rank and file parishioner in the pew. In other words, you seem to have done a much more thorough job in educating your most active members than you have all of your members about your needs and plans for a campaign. This is not necessarily  a problem, it is simply a fact. It is also true, however, that it is highly desirable to close this awareness gap through more widespread and repetitive information about your needs and plans, which will undoubtedly precede and will most definitely be part of your campaign. This in turn, will even further enhance the already high level of awareness of and acceptance for the proposed project and campaign.

  Furthermore, the level of acceptance for your planned fund drive to raise the funds needed to bring your master plan vision to fruition, is also fairly high. Most survey respondents, in fact, thought that acceptance for such an effort would be at least good, with  fifty-nine percent (59%) of survey respondents overall and sixty-nine percent (69%) of those personally interviewed saying they thought acceptance for such an effort would be good to excellent, at this time. This, too, is very positive and would seem to bode well for your planned campaign.

  D. COMPETITION FOR FUNDS

   Competition for philanthropic funds is not at all an issue for you at this time. In fact, no one who was personally interviewed and only  two percent (2%) of survey respondents overall said they knew of other  projects or campaigns that were in progress or being planned that might adversely impact your planned parish campaign. One of the projects mentioned was a campaign to construct a new church for a local Presbyterian congregation. This obviously won't be a significant conflict in that, for the most part, you have totally separate memberships. The annual United Way drive was also mentioned as a potential conflict. But again, this should not be a significant conflict  since the appeal is directed primarily to businesses. And even if these were to adversely affect some people's willingness or ability to support the campaign effort at your church, it will not, in our experience and opinion, do so to any significant or widespread extent.  In summary, now is an ideal time to conduct a campaign from a competitive standpoint.

  E. VOLUNTEER AND VOLUNTEER LEADERSHIP POTENTIAL

  Campaigns of this nature are not only volunteer intensive, they are volunteer dependent. Consequently, it is essential to have  ample, able and willingly available volunteers and volunteer leadership for a successful campaign.  Ideally, you should have one volunteer for every five or six households  or prospective donors. In your case, with roughly 875 registered households, this translates into a need for up to 175 volunteers, ideally. Approximately 15% of these, or 26 people or preferably couples, would be needed to serve in key leadership capacities enlisting, soliciting and supervising other volunteers and volunteer leaders. And, as a general rule of thumb, you should have at least two candidates for every volunteer (leadership) position that needs to be filled. For your parish, this means you should have a pool of at least  52 key leadership candidates. During the course of our interviews, 35 different individuals or couples were named among the best possible leaders for a campaign. This is a slightly smaller pool of potential candidates than is ideal and that we would need. Consequently, it could  indicate that you may have a potential depth problem in your campaign  or, in other words, a problem in attracting the ideal quantity of candidates that you would ideally have and need. Willingness to work on the campaign, especially in a leadership role, is also critical to your success and something that we also assessed.  And the study shows that eighty-eight percent (88%) of those personally interviewed and fifty-eight percent (58%) of survey respondents overall indicated that they would or might work on the campaign in some capacity, which is positive and slightly to significantly better than the typical one-out-of-two willingness to work that we typically and would ideally like and need to see.

  Of some concern, however,at least at first glance, is the fact that only twenty-one percent (21%) of survey respondents overall  indicated that they would or might accept a campaign leadership role if asked. This is a little less than the one-out-of-three leadership response that we typically need and ideally would like to see. Willingness to consider or assume a campaign leadership role improved significantly, however, among those who we personally interviewed and  who are again undoubtedly among the most active and generous  parishioners now. In fact, among this group, fifty-two percent (52%) said they would consider or might accept a campaign leadership role. Additionally and especially encouraging is that of the seven individuals or couples who were recommended five or more times as the best possible leaders for your campaign, we interviewed six of these, and all six or one hundred percent (100%) indicated that they would or might accept a campaign leadership role if offered or asked. These latter responses are especially and increasingly encouraging particularly given the fact that campaigns of this nature tend to have somewhat of a bandwagon effect, with people wanting but perhaps waiting to get involved until those they know and respect most already have.

   So in summary, your prospects for getting both the quality and quantityof volunteers and volunteer leaders that you would need for a successful campaign looks fairly promising and also bodes well for the success of your proposed campaign.

   F. FINANCIAL POTENTIAL

   A number of considerations are used to determine financial potential. All of the previously discussed criteria satisfaction with the parish, acceptance of the proposed project and campaign, competition for funds, and leadership potential are major considerations.

   Another important criterion in estimating financial potential is the opinion of the church members themselves, since experience for the most part, shows that people tend to perform at the level they think they are capable of, and rarely above. And, the study shows that a majority of survey respondents (57%) believe that at least $1,250,000 can realistically be raised over a three- year pledge period for your proposed campaign.

   We also look at prospects for pacesetting gifts in evaluating your financial potential. To reach your capability in a fundraising effort,  you normally need and ideally will receive one gift equal to at least10% of your overall goal. In your case, seeking $2.2 million to be raised, this would translate into a need for one lead gift in the $220,000 range for your proposed campaign. Furthermore, you should have at least three prospective contributors rated as capable of making the top gift that you need. For your parish, there was one individual or couple that was rated as capable of making a gift of at least $250,000, if they were so inclined. Another was consistently rated as capable of a gift in the $100,000 range and there were several that were rated as capable of at least $50,000 or more if they were so inclined. So the average rated gift potential of your top three prospects amounted to $133,333. This would indicate a potential for raising $1,333,333 under this financial formula when applied.

   We also look at the top gifts your people expressed a willingness to consider or make in evaluating your financial potential. And during the course of our interviews, there was one individual or couple who said that they would consider or make a gift of at least $100,000 to your campaign. This would indicate a potential to raise at least $1,000,000 under the lead gift formula that was previously mentioned and applied.

  Finally, one of the best barometers of financial potential is current giving. Normally, a parish should be able to raise at least two and one half times its annual offerings in a well run and received campaign. And according to information provided to us, approximately $275,000 in such contributions was received for your most recent fiscal year. This would indicate a potential for raising at least $687,500 in your campaign.

   The average of the aforementioned indicators amounts to $1,067,708. Consequently, we believe that you have the potential to raise a minimum of $1,000,000 over a three-year period in your planned campaign.

  SECTION B - RECOMMENDATIONS

  That you complete the compilation and presentation of your architectural or building plans to the parish by mid-January as planned. In conjunction with this or soon after (but no later than the last week of January or first week of February) that you commence with  planning and preparations for your capital campaign. This will enable you to complete the effort, for the most part, by the end of May and to take advantage of the high level of satisfaction with the parish, the  high level of awareness of and acceptance for the proposed project, its components and the campaign, and the low level of competition for philanthropic funds that currently exists. It will also allow you to take advantage of the powerfully positive momentum that you have gained through the conduct of this study before interest and enthusiasm starts to wane.

   

•   That you commission detailed site and floor plans for the entire project as well as internal and external color renderings of the church building for use in educating and exciting people about the campaign.
   

• That you try to incorporate, where possible, aspects of, or artifacts from, the current church into your new church structure and design.
   

•  That you consider completing the project or fundraising for it in two successive, three-year phases if needed. You might choose, for example, to phase the project physically by completing some of the buildings now in an initial campaign and construction effort, and then commence with a second, successive campaign and construction phase to complete any building components that remain. Or you may choose to complete construction of the entire project and building components all at once and to come back with a successive campaign effort, if needed, to reduce or retire whatever debt may remain.
   

•  That a minimum goal of $1,000,000 be established for at least the initial campaign phase. We also suggest that a challenge or miracle goal be established and that it be equal to whatever the total project cost is (less what you have or will have on hand through savings and the sale of your present property). Setting multiple-tiered objectives like this has several advantages. First, it communicates what is realistically achievable, which will be a cause for considerable satisfaction if met. Secondly, it communicates the need for truly sacrificial gifts and challenges everyone to stretch a bit so that the parish can potentially complete the project without having to conduct a  successive campaign or having to take on significant, if any, interim debt.
   

•  That you narratively describe and, where possible, photographically document all of the various problems with your facilities that currently exist and incorporate these into the  architectural presentation in January, if possible, and/or the representation of the case for support in the form of brochures and  video presentation for the actual campaign.
   

•  That you develop responses for some of the most commonly raised questions and concerns that were expressed during the course of this study and that you/we incorporate these responses into the final case and into a question-and-answer sheet that should also be prepared for use in the actual campaign.
   

•  That you initiate and implement next fall, after the campaign ends, a more formal, holistic and professionally run stewardship program with our assistance. Such a program should have at its core a strong educational component emphasizing what it means to be a Christian steward on an ongoing basis and in every sense; it should be led by a sound and well-rounded, standing stewardship committee that will assure that the program is continual and holistic in nature; it should have a strong volunteer stewardship component that seeks to get more people involved and more deeply involved in the life of your church; and it should have a strong financial stewardship component that seeks not only to expand regular weekly giving, but also special and substantial short and long-term gifts to your church. This will provide an additional boost for your parish in many ways not the least of which will be the production of supplemental revenues that could help in the funding and financing of the project proposed.
   

•  That, as part of the capital campaign and financial stewardship efforts suggested, you also incorporate a strong educational  effort that emphasizes and encourages people to consider the benefits of  non-cash and deferred gifts to the church. Asset and estate gifts will allow many people, especially those on fixed incomes (of which you seem to have many), to make much larger and more beneficial gifts to the church than they might otherwise think possible.